Chapter 50: The Calm Before

Alice POV:

A Few Weeks Later

Ever since Bella and I moved in together everything has been absolutely perfect. She's super happy and energetic all the time now. I think part of that is the fact that she's back at work. She really does love what she does for a living. But there's also something else there making her so cheerful. Bella says it's just because of me, but I swear she's not telling me something.

Our issues in the bedroom are still there. I've gotten further with the help of Carlisle's advice but it's still a no go. Bella said she's going to ask for that pill he mentioned sometime soon. I told her no rush. I don't like pushing anything. I still have a promise to keep.

Valentine's Day was awesome. We did not do gifts. They're too damn hard and Bella doesn't like them. Although she did get me roses. But we had a relaxing day with a walk and a long bath.

Her birthday was coming up soon, and we both decided it would be much better not to do anything for it. Given what happened last birthday. Yes that was completely my fault, she didn't even want a party. So we're just going to have a quiet day for her 19th. Was she 19? Or was she technically still 18? Her beating heart makes things so very confusing.

I still can't believe she's just 18 though. She's always acted older than she was, but especially now more then ever. I swear sometimes she seems older than me. My personal little genius. And I know she's smarter than she lets on.

We were all set to go to Biloxi the week after her birthday. I've already done a little research on myself to find out where to start looking. We've been planning on exactly where to go and what to do during the trip. I swear Bella seems more excited than I am for this. And that's saying something because I'm barely containing myself.

Right now we're lying in bed on Bella's day off. She was quietly reading while I just lay there on her chest, enjoying the movement from her breathing.

"Hey." I nudged her with the top of my head to get her attention.

"Yeah?"

"What are you reading?"

"This is the book that Jasper lent me. I'm finally getting around it. It's about World War II. It's actually really good."

"Can you read me something from it?" She chuckled lightly before reading an excerpt.

"There are things men can do to one another that are sobering to the soul. It is one thing to reconcile these things with God, but another to square it with yourself."

"Wow." It took me a few moments to let it sink in. "That was beautiful. Who wrote it?"

"Robert Leckie. He was a marine in the pacific part of the war."

"That was also kind of depressing."

"Well it was war." She said before nuzzling the top of my head and going back to silently reading. But I kept thinking about that quote and how true it was. How could the Volturi do the things they did and still live with themselves? Bella was so small and fragile. How could you look at that and want to break it? I really don't have much say though, I practically broke her by leaving. And the author was right, I would never forgive myself for what I had done.

"I love you Bella."

"I love you too Alice. Is something wrong?"

"No. I just want to make sure you know that."

"Alright." She set her book down and propped herself up along with me. "Something is on your mind. Spill." I bit my lip anxiously before responding.

"Your birthday is tomorrow…."

"Ahhhh. And you're feeling-"

"Guilty!" I interrupted her, my emotional dam finally breaking. "If I just did what you asked me to do and not thrown a party who knows how things could have been?" She sighed sadly at my outburst.

"I'll tell you. I would still be in an illusory relationship with your brother, you would be miserable without me, and Edward would never turn me, causing me to eventually die from probably some accident. So don't you dare feel guilty about trying to do something nice. Not even you could have predicted the series of events it started." I let her words slowly wash over me, soothing my aching conscious.

"So you really don't blame me? Not even the tiniest of bits?"

"Of course not love. The only thing I'm mad at you about, is not telling me that you liked me earlier. We could have had a lot more time together…" She started to kiss me neck, causing me to giggle.

"Hey! The same can be said for you, little miss imprint!" She let out a ruff laugh and tackled me against the bed, tickling me with no mercy. "Bella!"

"Alright alright I'm done." She said pulling away.

"Come on babe. Let's have a bath, and then bed time. I'll let you sleep in for your birthday."

"Mmmmmm… Will you make me breakfast in bed?"

"Of course. Now let's go my soon to be 19 year old."


A/N: Super short chapter I know, but as you can tell from the title, it's for a reason. It just made sense to leave this one how it is. I just had to put that quote in. I absolutely love it. As always, thank you for the support! Oh and if anyone knows of any job openings, hit me up ;)